Insect Safety for Kids
Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento
Stings and bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes a sting can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.
A sting or bite injects venom composed of proteins and other substances that may trigger an allergic reaction in the victim. The sting also causes redness and swelling at the site of the sting.
The response to a sting or bite from insects is variable and depends on a variety of factors. Most bites and stings result in pain, swelling, redness, and itching to the affected area. The skin may be broken and become infected if the bite area is scratched. If not treated properly, these local infections may become severe and cause a condition known as cellulitis.
When to Seek Medical Care
Children may experience a severe reaction beyond the immediate area of the sting if allergic to the bite or sting. This is known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a severe reaction include:
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Sensation of the throat closing or difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Faintness or weakness
- Infection
- Shortness of breath
- Unconsciousness and even death within 30 minutes
Children who experience a sever reaction or who have a history of severe reactions should go to the nearest hospital's emergency department after a bite or sting if they experience any symptoms.
Bites from mosquitoes typically do not cause significant illnesses, unless they behave as "vectors," conveying microorganisms that actually live within these mosquitoes. For instance West Nile virus is a disease spread by a mosquito.
Insect Bites Treatment: Self-Care at Home
Treatment depends on the type of reaction.
- If there is only redness and pain at the site of the bite, application of ice is adequate treatment.
- Clean the area with soap and water to remove contaminated particles left behind by some insects - such as mosquitoes. These particles may further contaminate the wound if not removed.
- Refrain from scratching because this may cause the skin to break down and an infection to form.
- Parents may treat itching at the site of the bite with an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in cream or liquid form or Calamine lotion to help relieve itching.
- Children who have a history of severe reactions to bites or stings may have been prescribed an anaphylaxis kit and used according to the doctor's instructions.
Prevention
You can minimize your child’s exposure to insect bites by changing their patterns of activity or behavior. So avoid outdoor activity during these periods during dusk and dawn. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to minimize the areas of exposed skin. Shirts should be tucked in.
Use insect repellants
- Permethrin-containing repellents (Permanone) are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin is highly effective as an insecticide and as a repellent.
- Repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) as an active ingredient are recommended by most authorities. A common repellant that contains this chemical is the brand name OFF.
